The Skin Mission
Programs & Initiatives
A few words about
The Skin Mission
The Skin Mission is our organization’s national initiative dedicated to improving skin health for all Canadians—but it’s about more than just skin.
Research for all skin
Diverse Skin: Advancing Equity in Dermatology Care
Skin health is not one-size-fits-all. Indigenous, racialized, and under-served communities in Canada often face barriers to dermatological care, from misdiagnosis due to limited medical training on diverse skin tones to systemic inequities in access to treatment.
There is a national effort to address these gaps by advocating for improved education, equitable healthcare policies, and increased accessibility to dermatology services for all Canadians.
Through data, partnerships with healthcare professionals, researchers, and community organizations, the following change can happen:
Enhanced medical education on diagnosing and treating skin conditions in diverse populations.
Improved access to dermatology services for under-served communities.
Supported research that advances dermatological care for racialized and Indigenous individuals.
Empowered patients with culturally competent resources and support.
Better Health care for Canadians
Studies have highlighted significant challenges in timely access to both primary and specialist care in Canada. For instance, a 2020 study reported a median national wait time of 78 days for specialist consultations, with some provinces experiencing even longer delays. Additionally, only 26% of Canadians were able to secure a same-day or next-day appointment with a doctor or nurse in 2023, a decline from 46% in 2016.
By systematically collecting and analyzing data on skin health, we can pinpoint specific areas where these delays are most pronounced and understand their impact on patient outcomes. This evidence-based approach enables us to advocate for targeted policy reforms aimed at reducing wait times and improving access to dermatological care. Furthermore, such data can inform the allocation of resources, ensuring that underserved communities receive the attention they need. Ultimately, leveraging robust skin health data empowers us to drive meaningful changes in the healthcare system, promoting timely and equitable care for all Canadians.
A key component of DAG-C’s mission is addressing dermatology education at the medical school level.
Currently, some medical students receive less than a week of dermatology training over a four-year span, despite the fact that more than 20% of primary care visits involve a skin-related concern. This lack of exposure contributes to delays in diagnosis and referrals, exacerbating wait times in the healthcare system.
There needs to be a change in the curriculum that place a stronger emphasis on dermatology, equipping future physicians with the knowledge to diagnose and manage common skin conditions within primary care settings, ultimately reducing the burden on specialists and ensuring faster, more effective treatment for patients.
Unfortunately, this will take a while…but we’re willing to wait it out and make this change happen!
Military and Veteran Support
Many experience service-related skin conditions, delayed diagnoses, and barriers to specialized care.
Helpful Resources can be found at the bottom of this page.
Our Goals
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Improve access to both primary and dermatological care for CAF members and veterans.
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Raise awareness of service-related skin conditions, including chronic wounds, exposure-related conditions, and autoimmune skin diseases.
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Policy changes that enhance healthcare rights and access.
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Provide educational resources for both military personnel and healthcare providers.
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Build strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations and military support groups.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a CAF member, veteran, or healthcare provider, you can help us make a difference. Join Pathway to Service by supporting our mission and/or sharing resources.
Ottawa Veterans Task Force
We are proud that Dermatology Awareness Group – Canada (DAG-C) has joined the Ottawa Veterans Task Force, reinforcing our commitment to the lives of Canadians. Through this collaboration, we aim to address service-related skin conditions, advocate for better healthcare access, and provide vital education and resources for veterans and healthcare providers.
Stay tuned for more updates. Together, we can make a lasting impact on veterans’ skin health not just in Ottawa, but across the country!
Indigenous Communities
Skin health disparities remain a critical issue in Indigenous communities across Canada, driven by systemic barriers, limited access to dermatological care, and a lack of culturally competent services. Some of the key priorities in this space, include, but are not limited to:
Improving Access to Care: Championing tangible solutions that bring quality dermatology services directly into Indigenous communities.
Enhancing Education and Awareness: Delivering skin health education that is culturally safe, relevant, and community-informed.
Supporting Indigenous-Led Solutions: Collaborating with Indigenous health leaders and organizations to co-create resources and strengthen care pathways.
We are deeply committed to supporting Indigenous voices lead this work – building trust, advancing equity, and driving lasting impact.
Join us in breaking down barriers and creating a future where all communities have access to the skin health care they deserve.
Mental Health Initiatives
Addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of skin disease is essential for overall well-being. By fostering understanding and offering support, we can help those affected feel more confident and less isolated.
Dermatology Awareness Group – Canada envisions a world where we can alleviate the burden of skin disease through raising awareness and advocating for better mental health support for those affected. We want to showcase to Canadians the link between skin disease and mental health, which we intend to share via social media channels and get people’s voices heard! Through these efforts, DAG-C is working to break any and all stigma and provide much-needed support to individuals facing the dual challenges of skin disease and mental health struggles.
- Government of Canada: Mental Health Support (resources for each Province)
- Mental Health Research Canada
- Mental Health Commission of Canada
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Resources
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): Social Support
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): Work Life Balance
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): Youth and Self-Injury
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): Talking to Teens
Canadian Youth
Education & Awareness Campaigns
Supporting school and community outreach programs, such as UV & Me, to educate youth on skin health.
Addressing the impact of social media and misinformation around skincare and dermatology.
Better Access to Care
Promoting mental health awareness related to visible skin conditions, including the psychological effects of acne, scarring, and chronic skin diseases.
Supporting Indigenous, racialized, and underrepresented youth by ensuring culturally competent dermatology services.
Peer Support Networks
Collaborating with schools, youth organizations, and providers to create accessible dermatology education programs.
Supporting peer-led support networks where youth can share experiences, ask questions, and receive guidance.
Breaking Barriers in Medical Education
Advocating for enhanced dermatology training in Canadian medical schools to ensure future doctors are well-equipped to address youth skin health concerns.
Encouraging young people to pursue careers in dermatology and healthcare by providing scholarship opportunities.
DAG-C is dedicated to empowering Canadian youth with the knowledge, access, and support they need to take control of their skin health. Join us in making dermatology accessible for all!
